velociraptor

noun

ve·​loc·​i·​rap·​tor və-ˈlä-sə-ˌrap-tər 

: any of a genus (Velociraptor) of theropod dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous having a long head with a flat snout and a large sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot

Examples of velociraptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this case, approximately 100 million years ago – when tyrannosaurus and velociraptors still roamed the planet. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 14 July 2025

The smaller velociraptors, or raptors, lean forward with their tiny front legs dangling in the air, and suddenly hop, propelled by the back legs; this graceful lean-and-hop movement becomes unimaginably sinister. —David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2025

The Raptors version features a dial in multiple shades of green, this time with three claw marks, reminiscent of the velociraptors’ forelegs. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025

The watches nod to two of the scariest predators in the film: the T-rex and the velociraptors. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin vēlōc-, vēlōx "swift, rapid" + -i- -i- + raptor "plunderer, predator" — more at velocity, raptor

Note: The genus Velociraptor was introduced by the American paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn (1857-1935) in "Three new Theropoda, Protoceratops zone, Central Mongolia," American Museum Novitates, No. 144 (November 7, 1924).

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for velociraptor

• adapter
• adaptor
• subchapter
• apter
• captor
• chapter
• raptor